South Okanagan city listed as one of North America’s must-visit hockey towns

The list of 22 locations, chosen by Expedia, said qualifications to be designated a must-visit hockey town include the connection to the iconic pastime — through deep history, loyal fans, contributions to the sport or all of the above.

While the post erroneously states Penticton’s junior A hockey roots only go back to 1961 — the team won the world championship in 1955 — they do laud the city for Okanagan Hockey Group.

In 1963 Larry Lund founded Okanagan Hockey Group and it has become an icon in the hockey camp industry. From that, Okanagan Hockey Academy was born. The hockey machine has seen at least 13 alumni drafted to the NHL since 2010.

The Penticton Vees have also graduated many players on to collegiate hockey and players drafted to NHL teams. In the 2017-18 there were 11 Vees alum that played with NHL teams including Duncan Keith, Tyson Jost, Zac Dalpe and Troy Stecher.